I have returned from Asia, unscathed from the terror of Sinlaku. According to my family, who was here in the States during my ordeal and quite certain that this typhoon would only chose me for destruction, not a lot of media coverage on the typhoon was given in the shadow of hurricane Ike. And since my mother couldn’t find any news about the storm, her first rational conclusion was that the ocean had swallowed all of Asia. That might be overstating things a bit. However, I’m pretty confident I can say what I wish about my beloved mother because I’m equally certain she won’t be reading this, as my best guess is that mum thinks that the blogosphere is the newest planet chosen to replace Pluto after it was officially downgraded from our solar system. Sinlaku was my first typhoon experience, and thus why I’m probably writing way too much about it. I was aware of the common dangers associated with such a storm, well pretty much just the wind and rain part. However, I had no idea of the hidden danger. Let me explain. The key to international travel is packing light. Never take more than you need. If you can recycle a few outfits, then do it. I had planned for a 10 day trip, but when the storm rolled in that trip was extended to 17 days. Here in lies the danger. Working a shirt or two back into the wardrobe is one thing, but having to reuse undies leaves potential for disaster. Going commando under jeans in a humid climate is not an option…just imagine the diaper rash. So what options is one left with? You’re absolutely right, laundry done prison style. I spent my last day riding out the storm in my hotel room, washing boxers in the sink with a bar of soap and then drying them to a toasty perfection with the hairdryer offered as part of my accomodations. I’ve seen some survival expert on TV showing people how to get water out in the desert if you’re ever stranded. It’s an important skill to have. How else would you clean your underwear without water?

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